Vertical Mount Flagpole Pulley — Cast Aluminum Side-Mount
When the truck at the top of your flagpole fails — or when you want to add an external halyard to a pole that didn't come with one — you don't always need to replace the whole truck assembly. Our vertical mount flagpole pulley bolts to the side of the pole and gives you a clean, working halyard run for a fraction of the cost and effort of a full truck swap.
It's a small part doing a big job: cast aluminum housing, aluminum wheel, 1/4" stainless steel axle. Made in the USA, sized for halyards up to 5/16", and simple enough that most customers install it themselves.
Is this the right fix for your flagpole?
This pulley is a side-mount solution. It does not sit at the top of the pole and it does not replace a traditional truck assembly — it works alongside or instead of one by routing the halyard down the outside of the pole.
Most common reason to buy this: your existing truck is seized, broken, or missing, and you want a working halyard without the cost and complexity of a full truck replacement. If your truck is still functional and you just need a new wheel, see our Replacement Wheel for Flagpole Truck Pulley. If you need a full top-of-pole replacement, see our Single Pulley Truck.
Specifications
- Housing: cast aluminum, silver finish
- Wheel: aluminum
- Axle: 1/4" stainless steel
- Dimensions: 4.25" high x 1.25" wide
- Maximum halyard diameter: 5/16"
- Mounting: screws, bolts, or stainless steel straps (not included)
- Pre-drilled holes: no — user drills to fastener size
- Made in the USA
Vertical mount vs. traditional truck — what's the difference?
Vertical Mount Pulley (this product)
Bolts or straps to the side of the pole near the top. Simpler installation than swapping a full truck assembly, lower cost, and fewer moving parts to fail. Best when your truck has failed or your pole never had one.
Single Pulley Truck
Sits on top of the pole and rotates with the wind to help prevent halyard wrap. The traditional setup — more hardware, more cost, and a more involved install. See our Single Pulley Truck.
Both work. The vertical mount is the practical choice when you want the job done with less hardware and less expense.
What about eyebolt pulleys?
We carry eyebolt-style pulleys as well, and they have their place — but for most retrofits we'd steer you toward the vertical mount. Eyebolt pulleys swing freely, which can mean the halyard rubs the pole at certain angles, and the smaller pulley wheels create more friction on the halyard over time. The vertical mount keeps the wheel in a fixed, predictable position parallel to the pole.
What pairs well with this pulley
Braided Flagpole Halyard
Sized by the foot, up to 5/16" diameter to match this pulley. See our Braided Flagpole Halyard.
Cast Aluminum Cleat
For securing the halyard at the bottom of the pole. See our Cast Aluminum Cleat.
Installation notes
The housing is soft cast aluminum, which is intentional — it means you drill the mounting holes to match whatever fastener you're using rather than being locked into a single bolt size.
Two mounting approaches:
- Screws or bolts through the pole. Drill the pulley housing to match your fastener, then drill the pole. Use stainless steel hardware to avoid corrosion at the joint.
- Stainless steel straps around the pole. A no-drill option, useful on round poles where you'd rather not put holes in the pole itself, or on installations where the pole material doesn't accept screws cleanly.
Position the pulley high enough on the pole that the halyard clears your flag at full hoist, and align it so the wheel runs parallel to the pole face — the halyard should feed straight down without rubbing.
The video below walks through a typical installation:
This pulley accepts halyard up to 5/16". If your existing halyard is thicker than that, you'll need to switch to a 5/16" or smaller line. Measure your current halyard before ordering.
Can I use this on something other than a flagpole?
Yes. The vertical mount design works on any vertical surface that can accept a fastener or strap — building corners, telephone poles, wooden posts, masts. The same rules apply: align the wheel parallel to the surface so the halyard feeds clean.
Made in the USA
This pulley is cast and assembled in the United States. We've been sourcing American-made flagpole hardware since 1993 and we're proud of it. Learn more on our Made in the USA page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this replace a flagpole truck?
No — it's a side-mount alternative to a truck, not a drop-in replacement. It bolts to the side of the pole and routes the halyard externally. If your truck is functional and you just need a new wheel, look at our replacement truck wheel. If you need a full top-of-pole assembly, see our Single Pulley Truck.
What halyard size does it accept?
Up to 5/16" diameter. Most residential and light commercial halyards fall at or below this size.
What hardware do I need to mount it?
Either stainless steel screws/bolts (you'll drill the pulley housing and the pole to match your fastener), or stainless steel straps wrapped around the pole. Hardware is not included — pick what works for your pole material and installation.
Can I install it without drilling the pole?
Yes — use stainless steel straps. This is the typical approach on commercial poles, telephone poles, or any installation where you don't want to put holes in the pole.
What finish does it come in?
Silver cast aluminum. The natural cast aluminum finish weathers well outdoors and matches most flagpole hardware.
Can I use it on a building wall, post, or non-flagpole structure?
Yes. As long as the mounting surface can accept a fastener or strap and the wheel can be aligned parallel to the halyard run, it'll work.
Questions about flagpole pulleys?
If you're not sure whether the vertical mount is the right fix for your setup — or which halyard, cleat, or snap to pair it with — we'd rather you ask before ordering. Reach out through our Contact Us page and one of our flag and flagpole specialists will walk you through it.
You can also browse our full selection of flagpole pulleys or our broader in-ground flagpole hardware catalog.
